< AllMoto's Motorcycle Investor mag

Motorcycle Investor mag

honda cb350

Spotted: Honda CB350 twin

There was a time when older Honda twins like CB350s were a common sight on our roads. Not any more

(May 2024, Guy 'Guido' Allen)

Maybe we're easily pleased, but we were delighted recently to be standing in a workshop and in rolls a nicely-preserved 1972 Honda CB350, ridden by an enthusiastic young woman.

Variants of these relatively humble machines were available in a range of engine capacities and generally proved to be tough and reliable transport. Though not over-burdened with power, the 350s had enough to get along at a decent pace and provide a bit of excitement.

Honda sold something in the order of 300,000 of the 350s – a success in anyone's terms.

There were three 350 models:

The CB350 Super Sport street bike

The SL350 street scrambler (our favourite)

And the SL350 Motorsport trail bike. That last one was okay for mild trails, but was regarded as a bit of a lump for any serious dirt work.

You don't often see them on the market, which makes you wonder if there are thousands out there rotting away in sheds. We reckon a good one today would be a fun way to get around, so long as you weren't in a big hurry.

Postscript

Reader MH, on seeing this story, added:

"I bought an olive green one (exactly the same as in your workshop photos) brand new from a dealer in Koornang Rd, Carnegie, in September 1972 for $815.

"It was ridden to Melbourne University and back to Brighton every day for four years, and around Vic and NSW on solo camping trips during each semester break.

"I can still remember my excitement when picking it up from the dealer after trading in my Yamaha 125 twin.

"It never let me down although towards the end it struggled going up hills.

"The Honda was a great bike and a remember giving it away to a friend of my sister, who was going to restore it."

And from reader AP:

"In September 1971 (the week before my 18th birthday) I purchased a new red CB350 from Max Halton Honda in Barkly Street, Footscray.

"Soon after in 1972 I joined the Air Force, ending up at RAAF Base Richmond, in the Hawkesbury Valley, about an hour west of Sydney.

Over an 18 month period I not only explored NSW I also did (565 miles/12 hour) trips to visit family in Melbourne.

"It was an excellent motorcycle."